UNC receives Crystal Ball for 2025 target

The in-state target would become the second pledge for the Tar Heels for 2025.

Jim Dedmon/USA Today Sports

The recruiting success for North Carolina in the class of 2024 has been well documented.

Since the beginning of May, they have added 13 pledges, most recently securing the commitment of wide receiver Alex Taylor, their highest rated commit in the class.

Now that they have put together one of the best classes in the ACC this cycle, the Tar Heels may be on their way to recruiting success in 2025.

In-state tight end and defensive end Gus Ritchey is a hot commodity on the recruiting trail, particularly for ACC and SEC programs such as Notre Dame, NC State, and Florida.

He has received offers from the likes of Duke, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, and Oregon, while earning one from Mack Brown and company in February.

The Pittsboro native has taken seven unofficial visits during the calendar year and appears to be headed for a decision, according to Pack Pride.

Ritchey, the No. 363 ranked player in his class and No. 9 in North Carolina, picked up two Crystal Ball predictions over the weekend.

Projections from Wiltfong, 247 Sports' Director of Football Recruiting, and Pack Pride's Cory Smith have Richey heading to Chapel Hill. 

Wiltfong has been correct on 91.61 percent of his predictions, including 3,997 total and all 11 for the class of 2025.

As it stands, North Carolina has one commit in the rising junior class, three-star quarterback Bryce Baker from East Forsyth High School in Kernersville.

With the lone commitment, they still hold the No. 20 overall class and the No. 3 class in the ACC.

There is no timetable for Ritchey's decision, but it appears that many recruiting experts believe he will ultimately be a Tar Heel.

Will North Carolina get off to a hot start in 2025 and earn the commitment of Gus Ritchey?